• What’s for Dinner?

• Animal Maze

• Welcome Home- Now What?• Separation of Pet & Owner

• Kiss Doggie Breath Goodbye• Cure This Itch

• Thats One Hot Dog!

• Ways To Support Your Local Shelters

Pet Health

Safety Tips

Paws To Help

Just For Fun

Education

Nutrition

Summer 2010

Bringing home a new Pet is an exciting, as well as hectic, time for a family. It is important to manage expectations as it may take more than one introduction for your dog or cat and other existing Pets or family members to become comfortable with each other. At first, separate your Pets and give them time to become acquainted with each other’s scent. It’s best to introduce them over time, and always under supervision. continued page 2

Welcome Home—Now What?

Because proper nutrition is so important in the quality and length of your Pet’s life, selecting a high-quality diet is paramount. If your veterinarian determines that your Pet may benefit from a change in its feeding regimen, whether

due to diagnosed food allergies, a health condition or obesity, it’s important to

transition food slowly. Mix small

amounts

What’s for Dinner?of new food with old food during a period of several days to minimize digestive upset. In general, you should gradually transition your Pet to the new food during a period of 5-7 days. Each day, use more of the new type food and less of the old type of food, until you have completely eliminated the old food. If you have questions about how to switch your Pet’s food, consult with your veterinarian.

Content provided by Banfield, The Pet Hospital®

Separation Anxiety

The number of days before a newborn puppy wags its tail.

(Welcome Home- Now What? continued)

If you have an infant in your household, keep in mind that the first few visits should be closely monitored and that Pets should never be left alone with an infant. Banfield recommends that family members consult with a veterinarian and pediatrician if the thought of an infant interacting with your new family Pet brings discomfort—both can provide useful tips for long-term success. When done properly, adding a new Pet in your household can be the beginning of wonderful new relationships.

Separation anxiety can present early in life, or can also be triggered by stress, trauma or a change in environment or routine—such as being adopted by a new family. Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit symptoms such as distress and behavioral problems when left alone. The most common symptoms of separation anxiety include:

Digging and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape.

Destructive chewing, which can include self-mutilation or destruction of household objects.

Repeated whining and barking.

Urination and defecation in otherwise housetrained dogs.

If your Pet is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, the following tips may help bring some relief—and comfort—to both you and your new furry friend:

Minimize your excitement during arrivals and departures.

Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you.

Establish a safety cue, such as a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you’ll be back.

Consider using an over-the-counter calming product that may reduce anxiety in dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate product for your dog.

If your dog exhibits a severe case of separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian or a certified Pet trainer.

That’s One Hot Dog!In most parts of the country, the weather is heating up with summer in full-swing. Although Pets love to spend time in the outdoors, they need to be careful to not overheat. The following tips will help ensure your Pet stays safe during the summer months.

• Though exercise is an important part of preventive care, overdoing it during hot weather can lead your dog to become overheated. During the summer, bring along extra water, keep walks to a gentle pace and watch for signs of overexertion and heatstroke, such as excessive panting, rapid heartbeat, vomiting drooling, weakness or bright red gums.

• If you suspect your Pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Call your veterinarian immediately to determine the best course of action. continued page 4

pg.2

Kiss Doggie Breath GoodbyeNew Pet owners are quick to purchase their beloved Pet comfy pillows, squeaky toys and tasty treats, but often neglect a major part of medical care—their mouths. In fact, periodontal disease is the most common disorder in dogs and cats. The internal research team of Banfield, The Pet Hospital, supports findings that 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs over the age of 3 display signs of gum disease, including bad breath, pain while chewing, weight loss, yellow teeth, red or swollen gums, missing teeth, nasal discharge or tearing or swelling below one eye.

Because dogs and cats use their mouths like humans use their hands, periodontal disease can seriously affect their ability to eat and play.

In addition to regular exams and professional cleanings, Banfield veterinarians recommend preventive care such as brushing a Pet’s teeth at least two or three times a week, feeing firm kibble which can slow down plaque formations as well as dental chews, toys or even dental-specific water additives. For more information on ongoing preventive dental care, contact your veterinarian.

All Pets are susceptible to periodontal disease—some more than others. According to research by Banfield, The Pet Hospital, the following breeds are more likely to develop the disease than others:

toy poodle

yorkshire terrier

maltese

pomeranian

shetland sheepdog

If your dog has been itching or scratching more than usual lately, he or she may have developed a common condition called atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disease caused by a heightened sensitivity to common things in the environment such as pollens, mold spores or dust mites in the home. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include excessive grooming, licking and chewing of the paws, abdomen or hind legs, among other things.

Atopic dermatitis is impossible to diagnose

with certainty through lab tests alone. As a result, your veterinarian may also look at your dog’s history and physical examination findings, as well as run simple tests to make sure that other causes of itching aren’t involved. Once other causes have been ruled out, your veterinarian can perform allergy testing to detect the specific allergen your dog is suffering

from. The treatment should be tailored to your Pet’s individual needs, and should include regular bathing, often with medicated shampoos and conditioners. Once it develops, atopic dermatitis is a lifelong

disease; however, your veterinarian can help you develop a successful—and soothing—management plan.

Cure This Itch

Did you

Nose?

pg.3

It’s time for my checkup! Can you help me find my way to the

veterinarian’s office?

This newsletter provided by your friends at:

(That’s One Hot Dog! continued)

In the meantime, lower your Pet’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of his or her body, like the stomach.

• Never leave your Pet in your car. Though it may seem relatively cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes—even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run errands during the summer, leave your Pet at home where it’s cool and comfortable.

Shelter wish lists vary in many ways, but all can use your support! Ask your shelter what they need and get involved in helping Pets find forever homes! Below is a list of typical wish list items:

• Wet and dry dog and cat food • Cat litter, litter pans • Six-foot leashes; cloth buckle collars • Pet brushes, combs, shampoos • Latex and rubber gloves• Paper towels, 30-gallon trash bags, bleach • Dish/laundry detergent, buckets, mops, brooms

Just For Fun! from FutureVet.net

Ways to Support Your Local Shelters

6 inchesLength from nose to tail of the world’s smallest dog (a Chihuahua who lives in Florida) according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

pg.4